Overhead Door NKY Garage Door Blog

Garage Door Lube Tips for Maintaining Smooth Operation

Posted by Dave Willmes on Wed, Dec 04, 2024 @ 12:00 AM

Garage Door Lube Tips for Maintaining Smooth Operation

A smooth and quiet garage door is essential for a peaceful home. If yours makes noise, a little garage door lube might be all you need. A well-lubricated garage door operates smoother and quieter, extending the lifespan of your door and its components.

Continue reading to learn helpful garage door lubrication tips and how to keep your overhead door running smoothly.

Gathering Your Lubrication Supplies

Before you begin, ensure you have the materials and tools for a smooth lubrication process.

  • Garage Door Lube: Choose a silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for garage doors. This type of product provides long lasting lubrication, resists extreme temperatures, and does not attract dirt and grime like other lubricants.
  • Clean Rags or Towels: Use these to remove old grease and debris before applying fresh lubricant. This ensures better adhesion and prevents contaminants from being trapped.
  • A Sturdy Ladder (if needed): Use a ladder to reach high areas, ensuring it’s stable and on level ground.
  • Work Gloves (optional): While not mandatory, gloves can protect your hands from dirt, grime, and the lubricant itself.

Lubrication Points: Guide and Tips

Now that you have your supplies, here are the key areas that require lubrication. Reminder: always disconnect your garage door opener from its power source before you start.

  • Hinges: Open and close your door slowly, observing each hinge. Clear away any dirt or debris, then lubricate the moving components, focusing specifically on the pivot points.
  • Rollers: Your garage door relies heavily on its rollers for smooth operation. Clean each roller with a rag, focusing on the bearings. Lubricate the bearings, avoiding the roller tracks so they won’t attract dirt and hinder smooth operation.
  • Springs: (Exercise Extreme Caution) Springs on garage doors operate under high tension and can lead to serious injury if not dealt with correctly. Lubricating springs is best left to a qualified garage door professional.
  • Tracks: Over time, leaves and other debris can accumulate in the garage door tracks, creating friction and noise. Use a rag or brush to clean out the tracks. It is not recommended to lubricate the track to avoid dirt and debris accumulation in the track.
  • Lock and Handle: Don’t overlook the smaller parts. A touch of lubricant on the lock mechanism and handle can go a long way in preventing sticking and ensuring smooth operation.

Lubricating Your Garage Door Opener

It is important to periodically lubricate specific parts of your garage door opener to ensure safe and proper operation. Parts such as the front pully assembly and rear sprocket should be lubricated every 6 months.

In addition, if your garage door opener utilizes a screw drive operation, it is important to lubricate the threaded rod located in the rail assembly. The threaded rod should be lubricated with a low-temperature lithium grease. Do not over apply the lithium grease because it can attract dirt and grime and cause issues in the future.

Important Tip

Avoid using lubricants such as WD-40. This type is more of a cleaner than a long-lasting lubricant. For more information about the type of lubricant to use with your garage door system, refer to the manufacturer’s owner’s manual or contact a professional. Many professional garage door companies sell the proper garage door lubricant and can assist you further.

Ensure Smooth and Quiet Garage Door Operation

Consistent lubrication is an easy yet powerful method for ensuring your garage door runs quietly and smoothly. By integrating these tips into your maintenance schedule, you can prolong the life of your garage door and experience years of seamless operation.

If you want to learn more about maintaining your home garage door, contact Overhead Door Company of Northern Kentucky today. We provide various services to ensure your garage door operates properly.

Topics: #garagedoorlube, #garagedoorlubrication, garage door lube